I'm curious about how to express degrees in between 大好き　and　大嫌い. Is it "OK" to use 大好き　about a movie or a hobby, or is it used purely for people? What would you use for something you are emphatic about?

They're very versatile, and you can use them for pretty much everything. If you abuse them, you could sound feminine or childish. But it's about how you express yourself, so no one can tell you what you should say in which situation. I suggest you read and listen to more native material and develop your own style.